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| Westmoreland Parish Council | |
|---|---|
| Name | Westmoreland Parish Council |
| Type | Parish council |
| Established | 19th century |
| Jurisdiction | Westmoreland Parish |
| Headquarters | Westmoreland Town Hall |
| Leader title | Chair |
| Employees | 12 |
Westmoreland Parish Council Westmoreland Parish Council is the elected parish-level body serving the civil parish of Westmoreland in Countyshire within the United Kingdom. It operates from Westmoreland Town Hall and interacts with higher-tier authorities including Countyshire Council and national institutions such as the Local Government Association and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. The council provides local services, maintains community assets, and represents residents in statutory consultations with bodies like Highways England and the Environment Agency.
The council traces its origins to 19th‑century local government reforms culminating in the Local Government Act 1894, which created elected parish councils similar to those in Rural Westmore and neighboring parishes such as Eastford and Northleigh. Over time the council interacted with landmark developments including the consolidation of county functions under Countyshire County Council, the reorganizations of the 1970s influenced by the Local Government Act 1972, and more recent devolution debates involving the Westmoreland Devolution Forum and the Localism Act 2011. Key historical episodes include infrastructure projects tied to the arrival of the Midland Railways branch line, disputes over boundaries with Stanton District in the interwar period, and community campaigns responding to decisions by the National Parks Authority and the High Court.
The civil parish covered by the council lies within historic Westmoreland Hundred and borders the parishes of Stanton, Riverside, Greenmead and Holloway. Notable physical features within the parish include the River Brook, the Westmore Common, and the Langdon Hills, while built landmarks comprise Westmoreland Manor, St Mary's Church, Westmoreland, and the Victorian-era Westmoreland Station. The parish boundary follows sections of the A38 road, abuts the Countyshire Green Belt, and overlaps areas designated by the Wildlife Trust and the Ancient Woodland Inventory.
The council operates under statutory provisions set out by the Local Government Act 1972 and guidance from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA). It is composed of councillors elected from wards such as Westmoreland Central and Westmoreland North and is chaired by an annually elected chairperson who presides over full council meetings at Westmoreland Town Hall. Subcommittees include the Planning Committee, Amenities Committee and Finance Committee; these engage with external regulators such as the Planning Inspectorate and agencies like Natural England. Administrative support is provided by a clerk who liaises with professional bodies including the Society of Local Council Clerks.
Statutory and discretionary functions carried out by the council encompass management of community halls (including Westmoreland Community Centre), maintenance of play areas, allotments such as Green Lane Allotments, and the commissioning of local footpath works in coordination with Local Highway Authorities. The council provides input on development applications to Countyshire Council Planning Department, runs local grant schemes for organisations like Westmoreland Age Concern and Westmoreland Youth Project, and coordinates neighborhood planning aligned with the National Planning Policy Framework. It also works with emergency services including Countyshire Police and Countyshire Fire and Rescue Service on resilience planning.
Funding comes primarily from the precept collected via Countyshire Council on council tax bills and from income streams such as lettings at community venues, allotment rents, and grants from bodies like the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Big Lottery Fund. Annual budgets are prepared in accordance with accounting standards promoted by CIPFA and audited by external auditors appointed under regulations overseen by the Comptroller and Auditor General. Capital projects have included refurbishment funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and smaller transport improvements delivered in partnership with Highways England.
Councillors are elected at regular parish elections held concurrently with other local elections administered by Countyshire Returning Officer; by-elections occur to fill casual vacancies. Political composition has varied between independents and members of national parties such as the Conservative Party (UK), the Labour Party (UK), the Liberal Democrats (UK) and local Residents’ Associations like the Westmoreland Residents Association. Elected representatives engage with Members of Parliament, notably the MP for the Westmoreland and Eastford constituency, and with county councillors representing divisions at Countyshire Council.
The council fosters partnerships with community organisations including Westmoreland Civic Society, Friends of Westmoreland Park, local schools like Westmoreland Primary School and health providers such as the Westmoreland Medical Practice. It organizes consultations, parish meetings, and supports events in conjunction with cultural institutions like the Westmoreland Arts Centre and regional campaigns by Age UK and Citizen’s Advice. Collaborative initiatives include neighborhood planning groups, volunteer litter-picking with Keep Britain Tidy, and joint projects with the Wildlife Trust and the National Trust to manage open spaces.
Category:Parish councils in Countyshire